CRESTON, B.C. Why do the most vulnerable in our community get thrown out of their homes with little or no consultation with their families? Thats the question CUPE is asking after the closure of Archibald House at the famed Endicott Centre last Friday.
Its a very sad time, said Dale Deal, spokesperson for CUPE Local 3999-07 that represents the workers at the centre. One fellow was in bed two weeks and refused to go to work because he was so upset about moving from his home.
And its all being done with little regard for the wishes or concerns of the residents or their family members.
Our residents are being taken out of their homes and being moved into houses where people are earning a profit on the contract to look after them, said Deal. Even when the do stay in the care of the Creston Society for Community Living (Endicott) they are being crowded into houses without adequate staffing.
Deal said the families are given no options. When they say they dont want their family member moved, they arent being listened to by the ministry.
One mother, in her seventies, took her daughter home for the summer and is thinking about keeping her at home because she knows her daughter, who is autistic, will be upset and disturbed by the move, said Deal.
Weve had parents come from out of town to see what was happening with their children. No one had consulted the family and they were looking for answers.
Endicott has been used as a regional resource in the care for adults with disabilities. Most of the clients are over 40 with no family or home outside the centre.
Many of the residents wont qualify for seniors care. This was a place where they could grow old and be looked after. Now there is no where for them to go as they age, said Deal.
And the MLA for Nelson-Creston, Blair Suffredine has done nothing to help. Deal and others have tried contacting him but hes never talked with them.
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Contact:
Dale Deal (250) 428-9094
For more Strong Communities campaign news, check out cupe.bc.ca